Panasonic S1 Review After 10 Months!

Is the Panasonic S1 worth picking up vs a similar Canon, Sony or Nikon camera? I give you 3 reasons to buy the camera and 3 reasons to avoid.
My Panasonic S1 Guide: academy.dslrvi...
Watch full S1 Rig Build Here: • Panasonic S1 Custom Rig
Panasonic S1 Camera
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/BCk2tI6
B&H: bhpho.to/2Go770C
3 Reasons to get an S1:
1) Great image quality
2) Fantastic build quality and functionality
3) Stabilization is amazing
3 Reasons to skip the S1:
1) Video auto focus isn't as good as competition.
2) No flip out screen and very heavy
3) Expensive compared to other cameras
MY MAIN CAMERA SETUP
Panasonic GH5s on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/gh5s
Viltrox Speedbooster on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/y2CORa
Sigma 18-35mm on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/sigma18
Benro Tripod on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/i2ZUCA
MY LIGHTING SETUP
Aputure 120D on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/88Akm
Aputure Light Dome on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputure...
Falcon Eyes 24TDX on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/OdOb
Rolling Stand on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Jh97BK8
MY AUDIO SETUP
Deity Shotgun on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputure...
Sound Devices MixPre-3 on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/vHsiYi6
#Caleb Pike #DSLR Video Shooter #Camera Review

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Hello folks! Good to be back (sick for the last 3 weeks). I'll post the link to the rig breakdown soon!

[@highdesertdragons6674]

Do you mind sharing what the little tripod is and the head your using. Looking for a lower angle for our shoots :). Thanks! Also loved your guide it was a huge help with the S1

[@highdesertdragons6674]

Also do you think the S1 will replace your gh5 and gh5s set ups?

[@iamafro]

Liked this video! Not to be annoying but will we be getting a sigma fp review any time soon

[@kingsamvisuals]

This is the only thing that can tempt me from Canon. Too bad the Leica lenses are expensive.

[@sandeshrajbhandari8952]

Could you put the focal length of the shot while showing image stabilization footage?

[@mordbain4671]

I took a chance on the S1 and bought it. Zero regrets - what a fantastic machine it turned out to be! The picture quality is the best I've ever seen, v-log is great, everything important can be operated using gloves (I live up north in the cold region..), the IBIS is flawless and the overall user experience seems to be very well thought of. Now about that Auto focus... I think it's better than it's reputation (firmware 1.3). If you have enough light, the AF works fine! But if you mostly shoot moving subjects in the dark, especially in v-log, the AF will struggle. Apart from that AF issue, this camera is pretty much perfect. I mostly shoot MF anyway so not a huge dealbreaker for me.

[@booshipvideo5513]

What is your experience on video in low light?

[@Wilma5532]

​@@booshipvideo5513the S1 is known to be one of the best in that aspect. Photo and video.

[@samgraef3028]

Bro that camera morphing slider shot at the beginning was flawless! Keep up the good work my man!

[@KaseyAtkins]

agreed.

[@IvanSinghIG]

That was tasty af

[@Lifehackz137]

4 real how you do that shiiii

[@attemerikallio1437]

@@Lifehackz137 I'm guessing he used morph cut transition on Premiere pro on motor controlled slider shots.

[@attemerikallio1437]

actually the pan is probably keyframed in post

[@SpookierCelluloid]

Panasonic just understands video. I bought my GH5 2 years ago and I never looked back.

[@jonathanperkins4154]

Yeah I picked the S1 up over the summer and it is a really great camera. I'm starting to get a better feel for when and where the auto focus works well and where it struggles. So glad we finally have some native lenses! It was rough in the beginning. The USB-C charging is SOOO handy! Saved my ass on a shoot in Europe when I lost the charger!

[@MichaelRichards983]

Have you ever used the mobile app? If so, can you tap to focus while using it? Thank you.

[@That_Bimmer_Guy]

Finally picked up a barely used S1 for a smoking deal $1650. I actually like the bigger body and ergonomics of this camera over my previous Sony A73. I have somewhere to place my pinky finger without the need for a battery grip.

[@BLKCreativeStudio]

What are your thoughts so far? I'm thinking of either that or an A7iii. 1650 sounds like a great deal

[@That_Bimmer_Guy]

Ademola Ogunnaike The S1 is EXCELLENT!!! The body size is perfect for larger hands and I don’t mind the size/weight at all. The menu system is great and the color coming off this sensor is beautiful!! The ONLY downside is the AF especially the eye/face detect isn’t as good as Sony. However, I mostly use Zeiss Manual lenses and slow down my workflow so it’s not a huge deal.

[@markshirley01]

@@That_Bimmer_Guy can you use single shot AF just to acquire your focus point (not continuous) then record. I do this successful with my D750 in video which has terrible video AF.

[@JamesClark1991]

That outro just killed about 6 headphone listeners lmao

[@MichaelWTurner]

I originally was not excited about this camera, but i have to admit it is pretty impressive. I'm a weirdo though - i'm still looking for a camera like this that is more the style of the canon xc15. I would love a great zoom range, fixed lens camera that also has a bigger sensor to achieve a shallow depth of field. I shoot a lot of events and hate swapping lenses. Nice work!

[@clifftotten7609]

THANK YOU!!....for show that crazy splotchy shadow banding! I have been fighting this for YEARS with the A7S, A7S-II and A7-III. This is not an 8bit Sony H.264 CODEC issue either. They output that same exact junk over HDMI as well. It seems to be a sensor readout issue. I suspect that Sony does not readout in 10 or 12 bit and drop the bits to 8 at the image processor. No, instead, I think it READS the sensor in an 8bit readout mode! I'm not sure but Sony shadows are a definitely splotchy MESS as you demonstrate. I got an S1 and I was amazed at how smooth even the 8 bit footage was in the shadows!....yes, even in 8 bit....not just 10bit. I dont know what Panasonic does with a Sony sensor that Sony can't (or won't) do. But whatever it is, it's a far superior sensor readout than Sony's. (Venus Engine?)

[@elmachomen]

Great video! I don´t care what you talk about, if you upload a new video, I watch it. You make them so easy-going and entertaining, you provide relevant information and the calm pace of your dialogue and your relaxed demeanor makes the whole thing so enjoyable. The S1 is definitely a great camera, and like a good red wine, it gets better with time. You can see how a lot of people that criticized at first are starting to realize what a powerful tool it is. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

[@AndrewGlazunov]

I’m confused! I want good auto focus! I want good quality. And I want not heavy size because I have robin sc! So want can you recommend? Now I have Gh5 and it’s really good, but auto focus and the size.... :(

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

First question: budget.

[@andreasthegreat8509]

The Olympus Em1 has fast and accurate af, I have the mark 2 and I love it.

[@johnnybaudelaire4954]

Panasonic S1 currently the best option for micro budget moviemaking. this is the most overlooked camera of last few years. Great fan of your videos Caleb but wanted to add another perspective. The lens options for this camera are huge and VERY cheap once you go to manual lenses. The VLOG image is really superb and grades wonderfully. I wouldn't recommend using the IS boost/ tripod lock in a professional situation . it very often produces strange subtle warping effects that are very unpredictable. i found that normal stabalization (no electronic stabalization) with some careful post prod stabalization is the way to go. I am using the kipon medium format speed booster with mama 645 glass and its pretty amazing. I would love panasonic to liberate this camera and open up all the other features that it is capable of , anamorphic modes/preveiws etc.

[@michaels8597]

i was poking around in B&H and then I spotted the Panasonic section.I picked the Panasonic S1 up and started to go through the paces with it.The build quality is so good, I would buy the camera if it had faulty AF and one card slot,like the ICONS made.I have the Pentax FF and that is a beast,yet the S1 goes one step further,with the build quality and a way better feel.This camera feels like it can double as a hammer.Let's talk about smooth and we can talk about that S1.I believe that's my next step,yet i have to do some research because I would be brand new to a 4k beast..

[@TSGEnt]

Thanks for your input on this device. Not an autofocus user in video. I may use it to grab focus, but track, well no camera is going to do that all that well. Yes, even the Canon will fail you at times and it's worth it to me to manually focus to be sure I get what I need. And that price. Yikes.

[@studiojamescao]

I love how YOUR voice is calm and asmr-ish compared to all KZbinrs yelling out loud

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Me too.

[@joseangel4428]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 I agree absolutely. It is a signal of inteligency.

[@AndyEngelkemier]

What? You're not a fan of @Jared Polin ?

[@studiojamescao]

@@AndyEngelkemier I like his style, but Caleb is really something

[@joseangel4428]

@@AndyEngelkemier Ha, ha, ha...! absolutely not!

[@Jamesmatthews]

Amazing review Kaleb. Thanks for the hard work 👊🏻

[@ramcka789]

The slider morph shot was cool! I graded 10 bit V-log for the first time a last month. Not sure I can go back Lol. Happy New Year

[@ErikStenbakken]

Great review. I especially appreciate that you include both positive and negatives. Fan-boy videos do more hype than education. Love your content. Really enjoyed the GH five tutorial I purchased. Worth every penny!

[@TheManShiv]

Recently got my S1 using a relatives Panasonic discount. Got the body and lens bundle for just £1800 - was an absolute no brainer! I could have got the S1H for £2100 but that was body only and therefore outside my price range. Couldn't be happier with the S1 though (coming from using a Canon 80D and 600D/T3i before that.)

[@zackketz]

Hook a brother up! Trying to get the S1H. 😁🙂

[@YourStoryStudios]

We have the S1 to go with our EVA1 and we love it! Autofocus can be a bit annoying, but workable!

[@avarmadillo]

Glad you're better and back at it. Overall, I like your review. Since you asked our opinion---it's a fabulous camera. For me it's not heavy, because I shoot it with Canon FD lenses---except for the 85 1.2 and the 135 2.8--none of those is heavy by any measure. Even the Rokinon lenses are okay, except the 35mm gets a bit heavy. But the results for run and gun are stellar. On point--the stabilization is also stellar--like a FF GH5, for sure, the best for full frame with the Nikon Z6 a close second. Color is a big improvement over the GH5 and S--but still, Canon and the EOS R is King for that--and DPAF. And, the S1 is super easy to shoot and navigate! The one thing I miss is C4k. But I won't put up with the weight of the S1H to get it. The internal 150/422 is plenty. Not going to ever need the high bit rates of the S1H----too much; there is such a thing as too many choices. Just give me C4k on the S1 and I'm pretty much a happy camper.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Have you watched Jordan's at DP Review of the S1H? The internal raw will give you 5 minutes on a 128 gb card. 10 minutes on a 256 gb card!

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

I love my S1. I’ve had it for about a year now and it’s a beast in every way. So happy with it.

[@DavidHorizonFilms]

I'll keep my beloved GH5 untill I see what the GH6 will be capable of :)

[@PVMMAC]

👍😀

[@AgentFitz]

Your B roll is gangster- keep it up! I really wanted to like the S1 but the DFD killed it for me. I am already a Panasonic shooter so I had high hopes when it was announced. Fast forward I got the A7iii instead and I haven't looked back. I still use a Panny as well. At this point put phase detect in any Panasonic camera I would buy in a heartbeat since I really enjoy their products.

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

I got the S1 a few weeks back! Such a joy to use! With USB-C charging I don't even take out the battery, simply plug it in at the end of a shoot. I've gotten used to no flip out screen. Don't need it when behind camera and I can plug in a monitor if filming myself, I prefer vlogging without a screen in the way. Autofocus is perfectly usable for youtube content again if I'm behind camera I generally don't need it. Sigma's MC21 adapter kinda sucks. When using the Sigma 18-35mm It switches to APSC mode and you cant switch to Full Frame. From 24-35mm that lens covers full frame, its a shame I cant switch back. Great video Caleb!

[@simitometi6219]

Caleb the morphing shot at 00:12 was spectacular!

[@flymojo001]

Hi Caleb, I picked up a S1 a week ago , upgrading from a GH5. I always used the GH5 with Nikon lenses and a metabones so for me it is always manual focus and the AF or therefore lack of did not bother me. The image quality, lcd, EVF and build quality is amazing. I also like the weight for handheld shooting. The thing that really impressed me about it is the low light performance, even though this is not advertised as a dual iso camera, it seems to have it around 4000 iso (there are a few videos on YT that show this as well). I’m generally happy with my decision, however, there is a major problem with it compared to the GH5 so far in my experience. In slow motion, there is no option to shoot at 100fps (or have the shutter at 1/100th. The only option in 125, 150 and 180 and as I live in Europe (PAL, 50Hz) that means strobing in my footage when filming indoors with no way to avoid it. The GH5 has selectable VFR while the S1 is locked to only those three. I have not found a work around (in camera) for this and whenever I need to shoot slow motion Indoors I tend to use my Z6 to do so as it has 100 and 120 FPS options. Apart from that, I am still getting used to it and it’s quirks, having used a GH4 and GH5 for the past 5 years definitely made the transition nearly seamless, which is another pro if you’re and ex-GH series camera owner.

[@WillEndSeraFin]

flymojo001 How do you like the image quality over gh5? Its more organic? Colors science has been improved? IBIS is even better than gh5? I want to switch from gh5 & gh5s to s1 for weddings this year but im not sure if it’s worth the upgrade 🤔

[@flymojo001]

Sera ElFín hi, the image is ridiculously good, the colours are definitely better. I stopped using CineD on my GH4 as it was a nightmare to match to other cameras plus it had an orange tint to skin tones. With the GH5 this was improved, but I still had some trouble at times. So I always shot in neutral or portrait. Vlog for me was not a thing as most of my work required quick turn around. With the S1 CineD just works and looks great, don’t know about the GH5s as I’ve never owned it. The stabilisation on the S1 is just as good as the GH5 but what I found is that it does struggle a bit with 200mm compared to the GH5, don’t know why (adapted lenses) so IBIS only not Dual IS, but I’ll need to test this again. The good thing about the IBIS is that it is really tolerant compared to the GH5, meaning (as I use adapted zoom lenses) I can set the IBIS focal length to 40mm and then zoom out to 24 or up to 70 and maintain decent performance. The GH5 didn’t do well with this trick and when going wide, I had to reset the IBIS focal length. This could also be due to the more heft of the camera so it doesn’t wobble in the hand as much. Not really sure yet. Finally, I still miss the GH5, after using the S1 for a bit now, it feels a bit restricted. The slow motion options are definitely limited. There is no way to adjust your Shutter speed to prevent strobing (no synchro scan) and the data rates are a maximum of 150mbit. The other downside is the crop in 150 and 180 fps as well as 4K 60. I used a metabones Ultra and XL so with GH5 was 1.3 and 1.4 crop compares to the S1’s 1.5, however, the GH5 did not shoot full frame (so you have to compromise somewhere). Finally, even though I haven’t shot plenty of slowmotion yet, the S1 seems to have a slightly lower quality than the GH5. Please take this with a pinch of salt as I haven’t tested it thoroughly, but I feel the GH5 slomotion had better quality. My advice is if you want an S1, then keep one of the GH5/GH5s to compensate for the restriction and quirks of the S1. Or borrow/rent one for a weekend and shoot with it then make your decision. Hope this helps.

[@TerenceKearns]

Just a few months later and it is just under $2K at BnH now. I think someone said they saw it for $1600 somewhere. If it;s that cheap, I'll get one myself along with the Sigma adaptor for EF lenses.

[@TopshelfJunior]

yup ! just saw it on Amazon for $1700

[@raredreamfootage]

The S1 is missing a few critical features that it needs to have: 1) 1080 @ 24p in 10-bit 4:2:2 internal (like on the GH5 which is 100mbps IPB or 200mbps ALL-I) 2) Shutter Angle 3) Synchro Scan (adjusts shutter angle in 0.1 degree increments to eliminate flicker from a single light source) 4) Slow motion conformed to 24p (most are conformed to 30p only) 5) True VFR that allows you to choose slow motion in 12fps increments like on the GH5 If it can gain these features then it will be the go-to full frame camera and the GH5 will be obsolete, until then, it will be hard to use in a run and gun situation and is limited for other forms of production.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

S1H would be my choice! But I only do video. But...$4,000!!!. Thanks for another great video. I really like your low-key, sensible approach to all things digital.

[@jacobh5817]

A year has passed and though many of your comments are still valid, some nuance is perhaps in order. Since the latest firmware upgrades, AF has improved dramatically. For video (AF-C) it is still one firmware upgrade away from Sony and Canon, but for stills (esp. AF-S) it is fantastic with great speed and accuracy. The lens collection has expanded though some niches (long fast tele, wide primes, tilt/shift) are not yet covered. The quality of lenses however, is superb (Pana Pro-S, Leica, Sigma Art). In fact, though known for video capabilities, the S1 and S1R are imo amongst the best stills cameras you can buy (same for the S5). Build like a tank, no silly flippy screen ;-), a ton of features, well designed clean menus and screens, great handling esp. when you have slightly bigger hands or longer fingers. You don’t need the extra grip or L-Plate to have room for your pinky like with so many smaller ILCMs. Adding a grip or L-Plate to my Z7II (or any Sony) reduces the size/weight advantage back to almost zero! The EVF is the best in class. High resolution and adjustable in three sizes, so you can actually see the entire frame in one glance when you wear glasses. But most of all, great image quality!! Combine all of this with a significant price reduction and you have one of the best cameras on the market for a bargain price. Perhaps not the brand recognition of Sony, Nikon or Canon (or Leica, but who does?), but every bit as good, if not better. Highly recommended esp. also for stills photographers.

[@CamtasticRide]

First 26 seconds of that video and I saw how you were putting your Arc II to work! Those camera transitions were AWESOME! Was that just morph? or something else? Love it!

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

Thanks for justifying my purchase ;-) This is pretty much my favorite review channel. You always discuss the things that are important to me.

[@cogmission1]

Wow! You did SUCH A GOOD JOB on the "S1" Guide webpage and preview video! Awesome shooting and movement!

[@mousse4444]

You know one thing that still baffles me all these years is the fact that Panasonic has not embraced phase detection in their cameras. They know damn well that they have gone as far as they can with DFT tech and that by adding phase detection, it would not only make us happier, but it would boost their sales tremendously. Even Olympus has joined the bandwagon. I've always had a suspicion that the Japanese camera manufacturers are in some kind of agreement that stipulates that no-one company can market a camera that has all the features that we videographers ask for. Am still hoping that the a7lll could be that camera.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I think it might be a patent issue.

[@luisneumannp2748]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 So everyone can use it except Panasonic? That must be a weird patent

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@luisneumannp2748 Does Sony use Canon's auto detect? Fuji?

[@luisneumannp2748]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 Of course they don't use Canon's Dual-Pixel AF. But they all use phase-detection systems. And phase-detection af as a concept is not protected by patents

[@PischkePerformance]

I love my S1. I preordered it last Feb and got it in April. I initially kept all of my Nikon gear because it still was such an unknown camera at the time, but after a couple months and a dozen shoots I sold off all of the Nikon gear. Like you said, above all I am interested in image quality and this camera delivers. The 10bit V Log is just stunning and the RAW stills have some much latitude to push and pull in post. I honestly thought I might regret it because of the price and since Sony and Canon both have compelling mirrorless options, but honestly after almost a year with it, I have fallen in love with the ergonomics, menu system, image quality and look that I get out of this camera!

[@CodyStoner20]

LOVE my S1!! Right now I'm waiting for B&H to restock the new Sigma 24-70, I think that combo should be pretty dope.

[@greatvedas]

that morph at 0:20 is so good. great stuff mate.

[@annabrewerproductions]

You are the greatest. You are hands down the most fun and informative camera specialist to watch.

[@1meter60]

I'm a documentary filmmaker for cinema and I love this camera, but I have three big problems with it: 1.) The rec button cannot trigger my external recorder, because my S1 doesn't put out timecode over HDMI and no trigger signal. Is this only on my camera??? 2.) I would love to shoot in some difficult situations without an external monitor/recorder. The great EVF would allow that. But I shoot most of my films for cinema in cinemascope. But there is really no options for framing markers inside the camera. Only helping lines for photo. That is really a shame. So I cannot frame my picture without monitor. (I think the S1H has the same problem). 3.) The switch to APS-C mode is not assignable to buttons. You have to go into the menu and click twice. Simply to long for some situation where you have to change it fast or on a gimbal. An my Sony a7M3 you can have this switch simply by pressing a button. This is a joy to use. When you record with external recorder only you can change it during record - like a cut. That would be great to have on the S1 also.

[@ricardorgomez]

It's really "Three reasons why a KZbinr wouldn't want..." The people this camera is aimed at would use focus-pullers, an external screen and the cost, for what you get, is quite reasonable. I mean, even $50K and much much more expensive video cameras don't have AF. At all. And since the S1H is the only mirrorless and DSLR-styled camera that is Netflix certified, that further demonstrates who the S1 line is aimed for... I'm glad for these long-term reviews. Even after 6 months with my G9, I'm still tinkering and tuning it. It's so much. A reviewer can't possibly fully wring out gear in a couple of days. If they have even that much time at all.... Keep up the great work!

[@ntwkman2936]

I got my S1 used for a wicked deal. Upgrading from the Canon 60D anything would've blown me out of the water but I'm all about the S1. Being able to change the buttons to do pretty much anything else is really handy. For example, as someone who does more photos than video sometimes I need to take a video quick, faster than switching modes composing again and recording. I cannot reach the rear record button while in the EVF and taking shots, it's just too far away, so I mapped the front lower function button to record video - it makes the process seamless and I don't have to reposition or move any fingers; just press my ring finger down. I also enjoy the big heaviness to this camera. For pros, well you hit the main ones in the video so I won't repeat them. The 6k photo mode is very useful, the focus stacking feature is neat but falls short to real focus stacks. For others I do have a few additional cons: First of all, the photo and video modes on the dials share picture profile settings, so when you're shooting photos in flat and move to video it will also be in the flat mode. You'll have to set vlog manually. After you're done filming and move back to photo mode you'll be in vlog still, and have to switch to flat (or you can choose to do both in vlog). Because of this my C1 C2 and C3 presets are all video presets (4K 24, 4K 24 Super35, 1080 30 Pixel|Pixel - another KZbinr showed this setup, I forget his name, but it works perfectly to get different FOVs out of primes) and I rarely use the video dial option. Also, the two different card slot types drives me a little crazy, but at least there are two. I do wish that Panasonic would blur the product line just a tad and give the S1 anamorphic des-queeze. That's the one feature from the 60D (with ML) that this upgrade no longer covers for me. Also, for what it's worth, everyone I know who uses DSLRs likes the S1's weight and ergonomics and everyone who uses a smaller mirrorless instantly says "too heavy" and puts it right down. I find that kinda funny, but I'd suggest going to a store and feeling the weight if you're considering any of the S series.

[@Directorvhim]

Bro, that's a whole book 😂

[@UnclassifiedPerspectives]

I just wanted to say thank so much for all the advice and knowledge you share on your channel. Because of you and others I was able to improve the look of my channel and launch a media company of my own on the side last year. Your inspiring keep doing what you do.. It makes a difference.

[@ThinkingArtEntertainment]

You should do a tutorial on how you did the morphing slider shot. So cool man, keep up the great work.

[@markjob6354]

*How about a review of the Sigma FP camera please ?* I am seriously considering acquiring one soon, but I value your opinion on it.

[@TheVocalCollective]

I debated for SO long as to which camera to buy for video. I'd decided on the GH5s, 'cos the S1 was out of my price range. Then an S1 came along at a one-off crazy low price. I am so glad I got this. Yes autofocus isn't as good as others. Yes it's heavy! Yes - native glass isn't cheap. But my job requires it to be on a tripod at the back of concert halls etc. So quick auto-focus not required, and weight not an issue. And the quality! And ease of use! And the lowlight ability! And the unlimited video 4k 60p 10 bit 4.2.2 recording time! (No overheating here, Canon!!). I'd love to step up to the S1H, but that's a pipe dream for now. Amazing camera.

[@Matticulous-Media]

WE NEED AN UPDATE!!! 2021!!!!

[@aeroxtreme15]

If only I have an extra cash I'll definitely pick up an S1 but I can only get a G9 because Panasonic made it a mini S1/GH5 photo camera with great video.

[@gotja]

I actually like this screen better... most people that buy this for work are not vloging - while i jumped from gh5 to the Fuji xt3... so tempted to jump back

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I want it to filp oit to the side!!!

[@fangshizhu9383]

Great review, Caleb! Really like the camera transform effect between 13' - 23' during the horizontal sliding shot. Cannot wait to watch your S1H review!

[@fxprocc]

Firmware upgrade helps a ton with the autofocus system. Also lowering the sensitivity helps.

[@LuxandTux]

This is really helpful! You kinda sold me on the camera even with the drawbacks. It's so nice especially with the EF adapter 👌

[@LucaBono.Studio]

It's the best hybrid camera in the market at the moment.

[@mattdoddato]

Awesome video! Agree with all the points, and a lot of what you mentioned were the reasons I actually moved away from the S1 to the A7iii even though I was giving up some video quality and overall video features. Autofocus, lens availability, and size were the driving factors. Appreciate your content as always!

[@Tigerex966]

panny get with the focus game, its holding all of your cameras back from greatness and has for years, and it is easy to fix, let your pride go and copy the competition or use tof

[@Tigerex966]

@Kafala i agree, autofocus has been their down fall for a decade

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Looks fantastic! I honestly just wasn't that familiar with it when I bought my A7iii; though I'm super happy with my A7, the S1 looks like a very serious contender. It's tough moving with glass commitments, but the S1 would be a serious pick for me if I was doing it over again.

[@jonccwong]

awesome no frills review. I agree with all the points you mentioned. I have it with the V-log upgrade and honestly its been nothing but awesome image/video quality coming out of the camera. glass from Panasonic and sigma has been amazing. and Autofocus 'issue' to me is overplayed. definitely happy with the purchase.

[@MichaelRichards983]

You don't find the AF to be bad?

[@mohebanwari1832]

after watching your Panasonic series, I'm really becoming a huge fan of the Lumix cameras! I'm Considering getting myself the G81(europe version), since I'm a VERY smal KZbinr, who recently started!

[@1fareast14]

The 4k at 10-bit with log profile at 60p is still a tricky one for camera companies to clear apparently. You either have to take a crop, lose autofocus, stabilization, fuji and panasonic seem the closest. I adore the design of the s1, and may have sprung for one it the 4k60 was from the full sensor.

[@fingatipps6779]

as always great production...I own two S1’s and love them...I just need panasonic to have the anamorphic feature on them like the S1H

[@m8nst3r80]

Can you make a “CAMERA GUIDE” on the old pocket camera? I think it’s more organic and filmic than the 4k/6k.

[@HazeAnatomy]

Discovered after purchase that The S1 does not output Trigger signal via HDMI, and also doesn't output timecode. Therefore the Camera can't trigger recording to an Atomos Ninja Unit which is a Big Flaw in my opinion... Maybe you could suggest this feature added in the Next Update... Cheers!

[@johnpeterka8355]

Caleb, I loved everything about our S1 except for AF and it’s lacking a second XQD card. I traded the camera in before the first firmware was released. So, I do not know if the AF improved or not. I will be following Panasonic’s refinement of ToF. If they have success and bring it to the S-series, I will immediately return to Panasonic. I found the company very receptive to feedback and, their willingness to help customers is stellar. In addition, I learned a lot from their ambassadors. We recently tested the Leica SL2. In my opinion, the Panasonic build quality is much better than Leica’s. And, I preferred the operations of the Panasonic over the Leica SL2.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Mr Tech - unless you are buying Leica L or Leica certified lenses, the Panasonic and Sigma L lenses are no more expensive than the Nikon Z or the Canon RF lenses. Had the Panasonic used a hybrid auto focus that Sony / Fujifilm uses, it would have passed over all the competition in its first foray into full frame. I have had the Canon R, Canon RP, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7, Fujifilm GFX, Fujifilm X-T3, Sony A7 iii, Panasonic S1, and Leica SL2 in my hands and shot with all of them. Only the Fujifilm cameras can match the build quality of the Panasonic. If or when Panasonic perfects ToF and brings it to its full frame cameras, I doubt the hybrid auto focus option will compete. On the other hand, Panasonic always has the option to resort to a hybrid auto focus.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Mr Tech - that lens is big and very nice. It produces some very nice photos. Had we purchased the Leica SL2, we would have used the Panasonic S lens over the $4,995 Leica lens.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Mr Tech - I see it a little different. Greater competition and faster technology advances improve products for all of us. Companies that listen to its customers and produce will rule. As for prices, good old supply and demand will impact pricing over time. I will say that focus peaking is very good on the S1. So, adapted lenses are alternatives to paying higher prices.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

I'm looking forward to owning this. I've been rocking with a GH4 for years, and have been quite pleased with the quality of the camera. The best description I've heard of this S1 is that it's like a GH5 on steroids... The IBIS, 10 bit INTERNAL recording (WHAAAAATTT!?!?) and low light capabilities are super appealing to me as a Panasonic user. Thanks for this honesty review!

[@scubatravel7846]

I want this so badly but I shoot underwater video and I’m paranoid about the autofocus

[@realtrashcansinatra]

Good review, thanks for posting. I bought the S1 a few weeks back and love it.......

[@jayc9184]

Problem is most people aren't doing sweeping and hand held real life video autofocus. The stability of the Lumix is superior to Sony. Sony's Autofocus does better on a tripod.

[@Spiritcrusher86]

I bought the s1 now I'm about to upgrade to S1H. With proper lighting I don't think you need a better sub 15K camera...

[@philk7472]

I agree with you for the autofocus. In my opinion the battery is rapidely out of juice (a problem when travelling)

[@magnusgotander3954]

Perfect and true review. Has 2 S1 ans 2 S5. Leaving, moore or less Canon now but they are still the best choise for stills and over all wonderfull workinghorses. Ds1X IV/5d mark IV/ R3. Not the R 5 or 6 though. Terrible cameras. Lumix are the best hybrid if you don't need the best autofocus. The videoquality is wonderful, ergonomics and the menues you really can use. The choise S5 is moore a videocamera ("gimbal-freindly" as well) and the S1 a better hybrid even for stills, if the weight doesn't bother or the lack of a flip screen.

[@COPiX]

What are your thoughts on the S1 vs the GH5s?

[@ondrejjanoska660]

I have S1 from Jun and i absolutly love it.

[@finnillson4808]

The 1DX mk 3 just blew this camera out of the water. If the 1DX mk3 becomes Netflix certified why would anybody buy the S1H? I love Panasonic but I’m afraid they are being too conservative. I would have paid $6000 for an S1H with internal RAW and PDAF.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Meh. I like the image qualitt from Panasonic. But seriously, the EVA-1 is $6,500, compared to the S1H. A used EVA-1 can go for $4k. And that's a 'real' cinema camera.

[@ChrisKoehn]

The 1DX III costs a ton more. I have never met anyone whose camera choice was influenced by Netflix certification. I guess you must be doing well making Netflix stuff though, so that's awesome!

[@ChrisKoehn]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 Super 35mm and not quite as good in low light, however. As for the S1H, it's FF, takes amazing stills and is ridiculous at high ISO.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@ChrisKoehn Good one! Yup, Netflix hires me, I'll use whatever the hell canera they want...

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@ChrisKoehn I din't personally see the need for this camera. I'd take it if they gave me one though!

[@spector175]

Hi Caleb will you be testing prores raw in nikon z6? Can you show us how much we can push the footage, highlight rolloff, lowlight and how's the af now after recent updates? How does nikon z6 12bit prores raw compare with canon raw and braw? Do you think we can grade z6 similar to s1h after using alex lut from gh5 and use it with z6 after converting prores raw to vlog?

[@rodrrico]

Great camera, but with one major draw back... L mount. Yes you can use adapters but you'll need a tonne of them if you go EF to E and so on. EF and E mount cameras will be king in the DSLR space for a while yet.

[@harisusmanivlogs]

i am in love with it S1

[@davidaltizer]

LOVE your intro sequence on this vid!

[@rafaelmoneo9235]

I was expecting the S1H cause is the lost appropriated camera for your channel. Great video BTW.

[@Curse_of_the_moon]

Tutorial on the morphing effect please

[@KANGANFILMS]

In India it gives flicker on slow motion ...it's bad we can't change shutter speed at slow motion it's fix at 125 ..second it's does not support auto focus on slow motion..if Panasonic update these options than this camera is best

[@paylnyles]

Got one and the autofocus can catch a cobweb x.

[@mattgray128]

I’m just saying...if Sony doesn’t answer the S1H, I may have to go back to Panasonic.

[@antoniomartin9551]

Few dew free

[@GermanViking]

Still waiting for the Panasonic S2 with hybrid autofocus...

[@steveschnetzler5471]

I went with the S1R (a nice hybrid mix and I found a great price on black friday). Not perfect, but for near home travel (like downtown Cologne), I like the lowlight and stabilization. Love Panasonic in general, still travel with my g85 or g9.

[@iGaRaai90]

I bought a body only S1R waiting on my lens to come in, how do you like it so far?

[@MJamilHoque]

I sold my X-T2 and now waiting for the price of the S1 to drop to a point where I can go purchase it.

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

It’s a great camera

[@markshirley01]

10 bit 1080p - that's actually probably what I'd use 90% of the time.

[@satva]

Thanks for the review, the image is really nice out of the S1. Question, what quick release plate is that on your table top tripod? I am looking for a small QR plate like that.

[@Whaever_1981]

Thx for the vid! Does it finally support focus peaking while recording video? Or do you need to use an external monitor for that still?

[@pta5563]

I have a question unrelated to this vid. I just purchased a Pentax auto 110 18mm and 24mm lens per your recommendation and have a canon rebel t2i. Do you know of any adapter that connects the two? Cause I’m having trouble finding one

[@makatron]

For me the screen not flipping out is a plus, way too much stress in that hinge and I will never use it to see myself so up and down is what you need.

[@AdamLoboTV]

Welcome back and happy new year bro 🙂

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Adam! Same to you!

[@MinhNguyen-yj3cy]

Hi Caleb, when does your video guide for the S1H come out? Excited for this one :)

[@ichalmajor]

Hello, I have a question. does the lumix s1 camera have a menu to change the language? For example, I want to buy a Japanese version of the Lumix S1 camera, can I change the language to English? Thank you

[@BinilZachariah]

Please make a video on how you render your videos especially for KZbin. My 4k shots, that I mostly downscale it to 1080p while exporting, look crap after uploading, while it's much more sharper and no banding on my system.

[@mezusmusic343]

Did you tried the auto focus of the new update?

[@lamasteve6905]

Beginners use auto focus in video, most pro camera’s and pro shoots the auto focus is not used. Go to a movie shoot and ask the camera man how his auto focus is and make sure the whole crew is their to hear your great knowledge of camera’s in the movie business !

[@lamasteve6905]

Ask them about the flip out screen too ! I can’t wait to see their faces ! Your a home camera guy and the cell phone is eating your market alive ! All the best !

[@lamasteve6905]

Netflix is using and producing movies, who are they working with ?

[@danielprose]

Not Better Rec. quality than the GH5? Well, other than full frame? So, better light pick up. Please tell me I'm wrong. I have a 14mm lens with GH5. The S1's kit lens is 24mm. So, that is the pretty much the same anyway. Please enlighten here. Is V log so much better than V Log L? I would enjoy a comparison video. Probably almost not noticeable on KZbin though. I wonder. Dual pixel or phase auto focus is faster but ultimately distorts the image more than contrast based AF. Contrast based auto focus is clearer but not great for uncontrolled set ups. Hopefully Panasonic will improve this technology. Somehow Lumix Gh5 remains unbeatable.

[@taylorpearson6266]

What I hate is that the day I finally upgraded from my gh4 and bought the gh5, the S1 was announced. 🙄

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I find no fault with my GH5. I've shot video on it and had it shown at a theater. Looked great.

[@raksh9]

Depending on what lenses you use, you may have to change everything to have usable lenses on the S1. I'm still with the GH4 and have a lot of m43 lenses from a number of companies. To move to the S1 would require buying an entirely new set of lenses. While the choices are many, it still means a fair extra outlay.

[@raksh9]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 Even GH4 footage looks decent in a theatre as long as you manage lighting, exposure and white balance.

[@ChrisKoehn]

But you forgot to mention how much money you still have in your pocket after buying a GH5 instead of waiting for an S1!

[@taylorpearson6266]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 oh for sure, my gh5 is great, but it's been awhile since I've used a full frame and I've kind of been pining for it lately lol

[@i5artube]

Actually, I want this camera just for the tilt screen.

[@ajhabdkaiak8173]

I know you most likely are not going to see this but between the panasonic s1 and the gh5s as a video camera which would you pick as they are pretty close in price

[@avalanwa]

Great job Caleb. #He'sBack!